What to do in Chiapas

Tour Cañon del Sumidero National Park (Parque Nacional Cañon del Sumidero) and be enthralled by the wonders of nature. Cañon del Sumidero National Park is the result of geological cracks in the Earth’s core that commenced millions of years ago. It features a narrow gorge and a deep canyon with huge walls draped in fertile vegetation and inhabited by colorful wildlife.

The Catedral de San Cristóbal is a beautiful construction in the old quarter of the colonial city of San Cristóbal de las Casas, in Chiapas. The building was once a modest church, built in the 16th century and dedicated to the Virgen de la Asunción (Virgin of the Assumption). It was later torn down to build an elegant cathedral dedicated to San Cristóbal, the patron of the city. Visit Catedral de San Cristóbal to discover a fantastic construction full of baroque, Moorish and indigenous influences.

Come to the colonial-style Marimba Park (Parque de la Marimba) famous for its nightly live music and communal dance events. Marimba Park takes its name from the marimba, which is the emblematic instrument of Chiapa state. The park features a symmetrical layout with a central bandstand and decorative gardens interspersed by paved walkways.

The Cascadas de Agua Azul (Blue Waterfalls) are a beautiful and very popular tourist attraction in Chiapas, Mexico. See several picturesque falls, some of them about 20 feet (6 meters) high. Dive into the transparent fresh water and take memorable photos of the natural beauty that surrounds you.

The Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque is one of Mexico’s treasures. This area in the city of Palenque has an impressive archaeological site and a national park with opulent tropical vegetation. Enjoy some of the finest and most interesting Maya architecture and hike among lush trees and waterfalls.

The beautiful Misol-Ha Waterfalls (Cascadas de Misol-Ha) is an impressive single cascade about 115 feet (35 meters) high. Enjoy the sight of water falling dramatically off a cliff into a wide pool far below and swim surrounded by tropical jungle.

The Cascada de Roberto Barrios is a lovely waterfall visited by both tourists and locals. Some people prefer it to other falls in the area due to its less crowded conditions and fewer souvenir vendors. Make a dive, sightsee and spend the day surrounded by nature and the powerful sound of water falling into a blue natural pool.

An explosion of color greets you as you enter the Santo Domingo Handicraft Market in San Cristóbal de las Casas. Piled high are rainbow-colored textiles, leather goods and all types of handmade crafts whose traditions date back decades and even centuries. Buy fabulous gifts to take home at this must-see outdoor market.